How technology has impacted online gaming

Online gaming is one of the most popular forms of gaming in the world.

23:33 07 March 2023

Online gaming is one of the most popular forms of gaming in the world. In 2022, the global online gaming industry brought in the extraordinary sum of 23.56 billion USD in revenues. 

In 2027, it is expected to reach 32.98 billion USD in revenues. These numbers show the incredible growth and popularity of online gaming. 

With 1.17 billion online gamers, this industry will only continue to grow and expand over the next few years. But how has technology impacted online gaming? 

Is technology the sole reason behind the popularity of online gaming? Will future technological developments continue to boost the revenues of this industry? 

The impact of technology on the gaming industry

It is undeniable that technology has truly revolutionised the gaming industry. But how so? 

• The creation of video games 

As most individuals know, games have always existed, long before any modern digital technology was created. For example, the oldest playable board game in the world is considered to be the Royal Game of Ur. 

This game was created in ancient Mesopotamia around 4,600 years ago. It was a table game for two in which each player had to try and race their pieces to the other end of the board in order to win. 

In many ways, this game paved the way for the creation of more recent and very popular games. A lack of modern technology did not stop games from being created and played. 

Video games and digital games are actually very recent. The first video game ever created was only made less than a century ago. 

It was a 1958 invention by American physicist William Higinbotham and was called “Tennis for Two”. In this game, two players play a sort of digital tennis game. 

The game was very popular and led to the creation of other digital games. 

Gaming devices such as PlayStation, Gameboy and Nintendo were later introduced to gamers all over the world. However, the first home video game console ever created was “The Odyssey”, manufactured by a company called Magnavox.

 The console was made available to the public in the 70s. 

• The creation of online games 

When the internet became accessible and affordable to the larger public, it impacted the gaming industry in new ways. Individuals were now looking for games that they could play online. 

Some games were accessible on their computers and mobile devices but did not require internet connection. However, online games that people now wanted required an internet connection. 

Online games provided individuals with the opportunity of playing with their friends remotely. They could also choose to play by themselves, versus other live players, or against bots. 

If we were to trace back the origin of online gaming, we could link it back to the 80s when two undergraduate students created a fantasy game called MUD. Outside users could visit their game through the ARPANET. 

• A transition from land-based gaming spaces to virtual ones

One of the sectors that was the most impacted by technology is the casino gaming industry. Technology truly revolutionised the casino gaming experience and the organisation of casinos themselves. 

Before mobile devices and computers were created, casino games had to be played in person. Individuals would have to travel to a local casino or another casino venue to play a game. 

Nowadays, they can easily play online by accessing a virtual casino. They have access to a large variety of games and can sometimes choose to play in multiplayer mode or solo mode. 

These virtual venues have also helped promote and introduce gamers to new game variants. For example, gamers can now try different variations of bingo. 

These different variations of bingo can be found on different bingo sites like Jackpotjoy. Some of the most famous ones include American bingo and English bingo. 

Technology and an improved gaming experience 

As we mentioned earlier, technology has truly changed the gaming industry and the way gamers play. Now, let’s explore how it has improved the gaming experience for players all over the world. 

1. Graphic design

Recent and continual technological improvements truly enhance the quality of games’ graphic designs. The more advanced and developed the technology, the better the graphics. 

Improved graphics provide gamers with a more realistic and immersive experience. 

• Sound design

The same goes for the sound design which is also improving thanks to new technologies and gaming equipment. 

For example, excellent headphones and in-built audio systems in virtual devices help create a wonderful atmosphere that immerses the players in the game. 

• VR headsets 

There are many headsets and revolutionary equipment on the market. However, one of the most promising one is the use of VR. 

Thanks to high-quality VR headsets and excellent graphic and sound design, gamers now have access to a new world of gaming possibilities. Technology is giving players more ways to make the most out of their game and to experience it fully. 

• Safe, quick and easy ways to pay for games 

Technology is also useful when it comes to paying quickly for a game. The less time you spend paying, the more time you can spend playing. 

The emergence and growing popularity of banking apps, e-wallets, and other finance services, help gamers pay quicker than ever before. 

Final thoughts 

In this article, we discussed some of the ways in which technology revolutionised the gaming industry, and in particular the online gaming industry. 

We explored some of the ways in which technology had shaped this industry and the transition of some land-based gaming venues towards the virtual world. Finally, we discussed how technology has improved players’ gaming experiences.